How To Turn Off Automatic Braking

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems have become increasingly prevalent in modern vehicles, designed to mitigate or prevent collisions. While generally lauded for their safety benefits, there are situations where a driver might want to temporarily disable or adjust the sensitivity of this feature. This isn't about advocating reckless driving; it's about understanding the technology and knowing when and how to manage it effectively.

The Dilemma: When "Help" Hurts

Imagine this scenario: you're carefully navigating a snowy, unplowed road. The car in front of you is a safe distance, but the snow is deep. Your traction control is engaged, allowing a bit of wheel slip to maintain momentum. Suddenly, the AEB system interprets the wheel slip and the relatively close proximity to the vehicle ahead as an impending collision and slams on the brakes. You lose momentum, potentially getting stuck, and ironically, creating a more hazardous situation. This highlights the core issue: AEB, while intelligent, isn't always perfectly attuned to every driving condition. It relies on algorithms and sensor data that, in certain edge cases, can misinterpret the situation.

Think of it like a smart thermostat in your home. It's designed to keep the temperature comfortable, but if you're doing strenuous exercise and generating a lot of heat, the thermostat might not react quickly enough, leaving you feeling too warm. Similarly, AEB is designed to prevent accidents, but in some circumstances, its intervention can be counterproductive.

How AEB Systems Work: A Technical Deep Dive

To understand how to potentially disable or adjust AEB, we first need to understand how it functions. The system typically relies on a suite of sensors:

Radar Sensors: Usually mounted in the front grille or bumper, these sensors emit radio waves to measure the distance and relative speed of objects in front of the vehicle. They provide long-range detection capabilities and are relatively unaffected by weather conditions like rain or fog.
Camera Systems: Often located near the rearview mirror, these cameras capture visual information about the road ahead. They're used to identify objects, lane markings, and pedestrians. Image processing algorithms analyze the video feed to detect potential hazards.
Ultrasonic Sensors: These sensors, commonly used in parking assist systems, can also contribute to AEB by providing short-range detection capabilities, especially useful in urban environments.

The data from these sensors is fed into a central Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This ECU runs sophisticated algorithms that analyze the data and assess the risk of a collision. The algorithms consider factors such as:

Distance to the Obstacle: How far away is the object in front of the vehicle?
Relative Speed: How quickly is the gap closing?
Braking Force Applied by the Driver: Is the driver already attempting to brake?
Steering Input: Is the driver attempting to steer around the obstacle?

If the ECU determines that a collision is imminent and the driver is not reacting appropriately (or not reacting quickly enough), it will trigger a series of actions:

Warning: Initially, the system will typically provide an audible and/or visual warning to alert the driver.
Brake Assist: If the driver begins to brake but isn't applying sufficient force, the system will amplify the braking power.
Automatic Braking: If the driver doesn't react at all, the system will apply the brakes automatically with varying degrees of force, depending on the perceived severity of the situation.

Pros and Cons of AEB

Pros:

Reduced Collisions: Studies have shown that AEB systems significantly reduce the number of rear-end collisions.
Mitigated Impact Severity: Even if a collision is unavoidable, AEB can reduce the speed of impact, minimizing damage and injuries.
Improved Safety for Vulnerable Road Users: Many AEB systems are designed to detect pedestrians and cyclists, further enhancing safety.
Potential Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with AEB systems.

Cons:

False Positives: As highlighted earlier, AEB systems can sometimes misinterpret driving conditions and trigger unnecessary braking events.
"Phantom Braking": This refers to unexpected and unexplained braking events, which can be disconcerting and potentially dangerous.
Over-Reliance: Drivers might become overly reliant on AEB, leading to a decrease in their own vigilance and driving skills.
Cost: AEB systems add to the overall cost of a vehicle.

Use Cases for Disabling/Adjusting AEB

While disabling AEB is generally discouraged, there are some specific situations where it might be justifiable:

Off-Road Driving: In off-road conditions, wheel slip is often necessary to maintain traction. AEB can interfere with this, hindering the vehicle's ability to navigate challenging terrain.
Towing: When towing a trailer, the vehicle's braking dynamics are significantly altered. AEB systems might not be calibrated to account for the added weight and could react inappropriately.
Snowy/Icy Conditions: As illustrated in the initial scenario, AEB can misinterpret wheel slip on slippery surfaces and trigger unnecessary braking.
Track Days: On a racetrack, drivers often need to push the limits of the vehicle's performance. AEB can interfere with this, limiting the driver's control.

Manufacturer Examples and Disabling Procedures

The method for disabling or adjusting AEB varies depending on the manufacturer and model of the vehicle. Here are a few examples:

Tesla: Tesla allows drivers to adjust the sensitivity of its Automatic Emergency Braking system to "Late," "Medium," or "Early." The system can also be fully disabled in certain models through the vehicle's touchscreen menu under "Autopilot" settings. It's usually under "Collision Avoidance Assist".
Toyota/Lexus: Many Toyota and Lexus vehicles feature a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with automatic braking. The sensitivity and operation of this system can often be adjusted or disabled through the vehicle's infotainment system. Look for options related to "Safety Sense" or "Driver Assist."
Honda/Acura: Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the Honda Sensing or AcuraWatch suite of safety features typically allow drivers to adjust the sensitivity of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) or disable it entirely through the vehicle's settings menu.
BMW: BMW often integrates its AEB functionality into its "Driving Assistant" suite. The specific options and settings can be accessed through the iDrive system, allowing drivers to adjust the sensitivity of the system or disable it altogether.
Ford/Lincoln: Ford and Lincoln vehicles with Co-Pilot360 offer Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking. You can adjust the sensitivity through the settings menu on the touchscreen. In some models the systems can be partially or completely disabled.

Important Note: Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions on how to disable or adjust AEB. The procedure can vary significantly between different makes and models. Also, understand that disabling AEB might also disable other related safety features, such as forward collision warning.

Disclaimer: Disabling or modifying safety features can increase the risk of accidents. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle at all times. Exercise extreme caution if you choose to disable AEB, and only do so when absolutely necessary and in controlled environments.

Real-World Insights and Recommendations

Before considering disabling AEB, explore the option of adjusting its sensitivity. Lowering the sensitivity can often address the issue of false positives without completely sacrificing the safety benefits of the system. This is especially useful if you frequently drive in areas with challenging road conditions or complex traffic patterns.

If you do decide to disable AEB for a specific situation, remember to re-enable it as soon as the conditions that warranted disabling it have passed. Develop a routine of checking your safety system settings regularly to ensure that they are configured appropriately for your current driving environment.

Furthermore, pay attention to the behavior of your AEB system in different driving conditions. This will help you better understand its limitations and anticipate its reactions. By being aware of how the system works and how it responds to different scenarios, you can make more informed decisions about when and how to manage it effectively.

Finally, recognize that AEB is a tool, not a replacement for attentive driving. Maintaining a safe following distance, scanning the road ahead, and being prepared to react are still essential for preventing accidents. AEB is designed to assist you in emergencies, but it should not be relied upon as a substitute for responsible driving habits.